Currently many academic misconduct meetings might be taking place via email. Here is some guidance

The University of Worcester takes all allegation of academic misconduct & plagiarism very seriously and has procedures in place when dealing with students. Click here to view the Academic Misconduct procedure.

What is Academic Misconduct?

The University of Worcester uses the terms 'academic misconduct' and 'cheating' to cover all the possible methods of plagiarism both intentional and unitentional.

Examples of plagiarism include:

Quoting someone else's work without proper references or quotation marks

Using other materials such as charts and tables without reference

Copying from another student, with or without permission

Collaborative work with other students presented as your own

Submitting work that had been submitted to the University at an earlier stage without referencing the earlier work

How can I avoid plagiarism?

As a student, you are expected to familiarise yourself with the different types of plagiarism and how to avoid it.

Student Services run a series of workshop sessions each year to help develop your study skills.

1-2-1 Sessions with a subject specialist librarian are run on demand, just email to book a session.

Surely no-one will know if I commit plagiarism

It is wrong to think that you can commit plagiarism and it will go undetected. The University uses sophisticated software called Turnitin to detect plagiarism as well as the judgement of academics.

The risks of committing plagiarism are serious and can lead to the termination of your studies

What are the penalties?

The penalties depend on the seriousness of the plagiarism or cheating. Assignments may be downgraded or require resubmission. Credits can be lost and in extreme circumstances students can have their studies terminated.

Penalties can be imposed by Academic Integrity Tutors (AITs) or by a formal Academic Misconduct Committee.

What if I have been accused of plagiarism?

Advice and representation is available from the Student Advisors in the Students' Union.

We are here to help you understand the regulations and procedures. We also ensure that any case is handled in accordance with University procedures and that the outcome is reached fairly.

We can help you prepare for any meetings you might have to attend and accompany you if needed.